How do we addess the shortage of Skilled Laborers in this country?

[Matt Laurer]

Anecdotally, I see a shortage of skilled tradesmen in the construction industry. Those of you like @Ralphieburger who are going through home builds see it too. After the big downturn, we lost 1.5M construction jobs, but only have of them have come back. I’ve seen anywhere from 130k-400k open construction jobs. General Contractors are more worried about finding workers than paying them. The plumbers and electrician I know are working 60-70 hours a week, making bank, and still not meeting all the demand.

There are a lot of people in dying industries who could easily retrain themselves in something like plumbing. I’d also like to see more vocational classes brought back to high school with parents and teachers emphasizing the viability of those jobs.

Mash Me

Spoiler

The Construction Labor Shortage: Where Did All the Skilled Labor Go?

Arecently released survey by the Associated General Contractors of America revealed that nearly 80 percent of construction businesses are having a hard time finding qualified skilled labor. Beginning first in small isolated pockets when home construction bottomed out in 2011, the labor shortage is now in full bloom, with repercussions being felt throughout the nation.

The reality is that while the building industry has experienced steady and positive growth in recent months, this growth could be even faster if there were enough qualified candidates to fill open positions. In a recent interview with Bloomberg Business, an economist for NAHB is quoted as saying, “We could be growing faster if the labor shortage issue wasn’t present.”

Did All the Skilled Labor Just Disappear?

On the surface, the numbers indicate that there should be plenty of workers looking for jobs. From 2006 through 2011, the construction industry lost 2.3 million jobs. Additionally, there are about 1 million fewer residential-construction jobs to be had today than there were prior to 2006. When looking at the numbers in a bubble, a person could conclude that there should be an excess of workers to fill the openings, right?

The problem is that if there is an excess of skilled laborers, contractors are having a hard time finding them.

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) there are currently 143,000 vacant construction positions nationwide. In fact, a recent survey by the NAHB revealed that 69 percent of its members were experiencing delays in completing projects on time due to a shortage of qualified workers, while other jobs were lost altogether.

The problem is that when the recession hit, many skilled workers who were unable to find jobs dropped out of the industry, and have never returned. Compounding this problem, a whole generation of younger workers are no longer even considering construction as a viable career option. Many high schools have phased out shop classes, and parents increasingly have steered graduates to four-year colleges and white-collar careers. Now, as older workers are retiring, there simply isn’t anyone ready to take their spots.

What’s next?
Good or bad, we have likely only seen the beginning of the construction labor shortage. Building activity is projected to strengthen over the next few years, and the demand for skilled craftsmen is expected to continue to grow. While residential and commercial construction activity may have increased significantly since the low point of the recession, many still view this resurgence as fragile. Constrained by a shortage of skilled workers, this resurgence could end up tempered by the continued increase of new home prices and delays in projects.

Filling this gap is going to take a concerted effort on all fronts, including encouraging America’s youth to return to the construction industry.

 

[Quavarius]

Anecdotally, I see a shortage of skilled tradesmen in the construction industry. Those of you like @Ralphieburger who are going through home builds see it too. After the big downturn, we lost 1.5M construction jobs, but only have of them have come back. I’ve seen anywhere from 130k-400k open construction jobs. General Contractors are more worried about finding workers than paying them. The plumbers and electrician I know are working 60-70 hours a week, making bank, and still not meeting all the demand.

There are a lot of people in dying industries who could easily retrain themselves in something like plumbing. I’d also like to see more vocational classes brought back to high school with parents and teachers emphasizing the viability of those jobs.

Mash Me

Spoiler

The Construction Labor Shortage: Where Did All the Skilled Labor Go?

Arecently released survey by the Associated General Contractors of America revealed that nearly 80 percent of construction businesses are having a hard time finding qualified skilled labor. Beginning first in small isolated pockets when home construction bottomed out in 2011, the labor shortage is now in full bloom, with repercussions being felt throughout the nation.

The reality is that while the building industry has experienced steady and positive growth in recent months, this growth could be even faster if there were enough qualified candidates to fill open positions. In a recent interview with Bloomberg Business, an economist for NAHB is quoted as saying, “We could be growing faster if the labor shortage issue wasn’t present.”

Did All the Skilled Labor Just Disappear?

On the surface, the numbers indicate that there should be plenty of workers looking for jobs. From 2006 through 2011, the construction industry lost 2.3 million jobs. Additionally, there are about 1 million fewer residential-construction jobs to be had today than there were prior to 2006. When looking at the numbers in a bubble, a person could conclude that there should be an excess of workers to fill the openings, right?

The problem is that if there is an excess of skilled laborers, contractors are having a hard time finding them.

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) there are currently 143,000 vacant construction positions nationwide. In fact, a recent survey by the NAHB revealed that 69 percent of its members were experiencing delays in completing projects on time due to a shortage of qualified workers, while other jobs were lost altogether.

The problem is that when the recession hit, many skilled workers who were unable to find jobs dropped out of the industry, and have never returned. Compounding this problem, a whole generation of younger workers are no longer even considering construction as a viable career option. Many high schools have phased out shop classes, and parents increasingly have steered graduates to four-year colleges and white-collar careers. Now, as older workers are retiring, there simply isn’t anyone ready to take their spots.

What’s next?
Good or bad, we have likely only seen the beginning of the construction labor shortage. Building activity is projected to strengthen over the next few years, and the demand for skilled craftsmen is expected to continue to grow. While residential and commercial construction activity may have increased significantly since the low point of the recession, many still view this resurgence as fragile. Constrained by a shortage of skilled workers, this resurgence could end up tempered by the continued increase of new home prices and delays in projects.

Filling this gap is going to take a concerted effort on all fronts, including encouraging America’s youth to return to the construction industry.

There are some people willing to do those jobs but they're being turned away acccused of taking jobs from other people who don't want these jobs.

 

[Spacegrass]

Younger generations seem to have propensity to not have interest in manual labor. Need to introduce young people to it more at a younger age.

Don't be surprised as well at the education level of some of these people in construction that are hiring. I have 2 mason's I use where both the owners have degrees from UNC and both played golf there. I remember the first time they both told me that and I looked at them funny. But something like laying brick if you are serious about learning as much about it as possible can lead to a really good career. But you are going to have to work in the field for a little while before you get into management positions if you possess those types of growth skills.

I have framed , roofed , and done hardwoods before I ever built a house. It helped me understand the other side of the coin within the industry that I now manage daily. Because you get sucked into the rat race of deadlines and realize these things are best done with a balance of pace and skill.

 

[Matt Laurer]

Younger generations seem to have propensity to not have interest in manual labor. Need to introduce young people to it more at a younger age.

Don't be surprised as well at the education level of some of these people in construction that are hiring. I have 2 mason's I use where both the owners have degrees from UNC and both played golf there. I remember the first time they both told me that and I looked at them funny. But something like laying brick if you are serious about learning as much about it as possible can lead to a really good career. But you are going to have to work in the field for a little while before you get into management positions if you possess those types of growth skills.

I have framed , roofed , and done hardwoods before I ever built a house. It helped me understand the other side of the coin within the industry that I now manage daily. Because you get sucked into the rat race of deadlines and realize these things are best done with a balance of pace and skill.

I’m 35 and my parents taught me from a young age no matter what, go to college. Even if I didn’t know what I wanted to be. Just go. We were all told the same thing. Lots of kids pushed into college that didn’t belong there. Additionally, skilled labor jobs were looked down upon. No one was told to grow up and become a carpenter.

 

[WojoRising]

Read this as Labradors

 

[Spacegrass]

There are some people willing to do those jobs but they're being turned away acccused of taking jobs from other people who don't want these jobs.

They also in many cases don't want to be in the system in a lot of cases because it's easier to work for 6-8 months when things are busy , not pay taxes on the earnings , then take the tax free income back to Mexico and come back to do it all over again 2-3 months later. Trust me there is serious abuse by the side you think is only taken advantage of.

Also there is still a hangover from the 2008 economic/housing crisis that hasn't brought back near as many foreign born workers than we had a decade + ago.

 

[289fia]

Adam Putnam, running for governor of Florida, has stated that one of his goals if elected is to have a strong focus on the re-positioning of 'trade schools' to provide first class educations, jobs, and incomes for key trades in a state where construction and service industries are booming.

-construction .. residential and commercial (carpentry, plumbing, electricians)
-welding .. stainless and high tech materials (food processing equipment,
aircraft, space craft)
-Nursing / healthcare

 

[mebeblue2]

Younger generations seem to have propensity to not have interest in manual labor. Need to introduce young people to it more at a younger age.

Don't be surprised as well at the education level of some of these people in construction that are hiring. I have 2 mason's I use where both the owners have degrees from UNC and both played golf there. I remember the first time they both told me that and I looked at them funny. But something like laying brick if you are serious about learning as much about it as possible can lead to a really good career. But you are going to have to work in the field for a little while before you get into management positions if you possess those types of growth skills.

I have framed , roofed , and done hardwoods before I ever built a house. It helped me understand the other side of the coin within the industry that I now manage daily. Because you get sucked into the rat race of deadlines and realize these things are best done with a balance of pace and skill.

agreed
then you add to the fact that half can not pass a drug test

 

[Quavarius]

Younger generations seem to have propensity to not have interest in manual labor. Need to introduce young people to it more at a younger age.

Don't be surprised as well at the education level of some of these people in construction that are hiring. I have 2 mason's I use where both the owners have degrees from UNC and both played golf there. I remember the first time they both told me that and I looked at them funny. But something like laying brick if you are serious about learning as much about it as possible can lead to a really good career. But you are going to have to work in the field for a little while before you get into management positions if you possess those types of growth skills.

I have framed , roofed , and done hardwoods before I ever built a house. It helped me understand the other side of the coin within the industry that I now manage daily. Because you get sucked into the rat race of deadlines and realize these things are best done with a balance of pace and skill.

It's not America unless someone is blaming someone else for all of their shortcomings

 

[Spacegrass]

I’m 35 and my parents taught me from a young age no matter what, go to college. Even if I didn’t know what I wanted to be. Just go. We were all told the same thing. Lots of kids pushed into college that didn’t belong there. Additionally, skilled labor jobs were looked down upon. No one was told to grow up and become a carpenter.

Well that is because we were mind fvcked that spending $100k on an education to get a 30-35k a year job as a result of said education was a good investment. I was told to not go to a 4 year University by my parents until I grasped what direction I wanted to go. So I went to CC for 3 years then was going to transfer after a summer session at NC State that I still hadn't been able to identify my direction. So I went to work in the building industry and just happened to figure out it was what I wanted to do with my life. But it took me 4-5 years before I truly realized it was what I wanted to do professionally after being in the industry.

 

[Quavarius]

They also in many cases don't want to be in the system in a lot of cases because it's easier to work for 6-8 months when things are busy , not pay taxes on the earnings , then take the tax free income back to Mexico and come back to do it all over again 2-3 months later. Trust me there is serious abuse by the side you think is only taken advantage of.

Also there is still a hangover from the 2008 economic/housing crisis that hasn't brought back near as many foreign born workers than we had a decade + ago.

Who is hiring those people?

 

[Spacegrass]

agreed
then you add to the fact that half can not pass a drug test

Depends on what they are failing the drug test for? I technically couldn't pass a drug test based on my lifestyle.... But I am aware enough to stop long enough and do a detox to pass one. I don't begrudge any decision anyone makes in their own personal life as long as you can own up to it if it doesn't work out the way you expected.

 

[Spacegrass]

Who is hiring those people?

Everyone , more latin business owners. You can hire people on work Visa's or the DACA folks that have become of legal working age. They don't have to be a citizen. There also are insurance loop holes with workers comp policies that insurance companies issue allowing blanket coverage over a business without knowing the true scale of how many workers say a painter has and is paying. Typically the American owned business owners in the industry are paying all the taxes where the Latin/Mexican owned companies are paying less because they pay a large portion of their guys cash under the table. Some of these guys that own these businesses still have homes/family back in Mexico. Many actually use that angle to recruit labor in exchange for getting them and their family into the country. So essentially a "Coyote". Only way to fix it is make everyone without a legit criminal record legal and get them into the tax base. Problem is if this was offered you would still have many of those with this opportunity keep doing it the same way they are now. These guys aren't bad people , but they have to want to play by our rules if they want to work here.

 

[mebeblue2]

Depends on what they are failing the drug test for? I technically couldn't pass a drug test based on my lifestyle.... But I am aware enough to stop long enough and do a detox to pass one. I don't begrudge any decision anyone makes in their own personal life as long as you can own up to it if it doesn't work out the way you expected.

i can't speak for any company except mine
when i started drug testing for "hard drugs" hiring people became a problem
i could not care less about marijuana, i don't smoke it but i do think it should be legal

i know they have a real problem in all the construction union halls getting people that can pass drug tests

 

[Spacegrass]

i can't speak for any company except mine
when i started drug testing for "hard drugs" hiring people became a problem
i could not care less about marijuana, i don't smoke it but i do think it should be legal

i know they have a real problem in all the construction union halls getting people that can pass drug tests

You can smoke it or take whatever you want on your own time. But it is troubling that you can't stop something long enough to pass a drug test. It's really easy honestly.

 

[TheDude1]

Expand trade schools, make sure they are affordable, stop over-valuing standard college degrees.

 

[Spacegrass]

It's not America unless someone is blaming someone else for all of their shortcomings

I am not blaming them. I am pointing out a reality that I see everyday of my life for the last 10-12 years. I know a helluva a lot more about this subject at hand than you do.

 

[LetsGoDuke301]

There are some people willing to do those jobs but they're being turned away acccused of taking jobs from other people who don't want these jobs.

There is more to it than you are probably willing to see. Spacegrass hit on some important points. To add, it is not as simple as people not wanting to do jobs that immigrants are willing ro do. It's doing the jobs at the pay that can support lifestyles and families. If you are only here for money, you live in a house or apartment with 4 or 5 roommates, share vehicles and put money away. This enables them to do these jobs, that you say others don't want to do, at much lower rates than that of a person who is trying to raise a family and pay a mortgage. So yes, people don't want to be on top of roofs, in hot attics and in nasty crawlspaces for a wage that doesn't support their families and their lifestyles. It's not as much "stealing jobs" as it is undercutting and under bidding.

 

[LetsGoDuke301]

Expand trade schools, make sure they are affordable, stop over-valuing standard college degrees.

As a teacher, maybe not you so much because your students are still young, do you think some students who aren't really "book smart" should be influenced by their teachers to go to trade schools instead of other colleges that likely won't be beneficial to their future?

 

[wrbchWolfPack81]

Anecdotally, I see a shortage of skilled tradesmen in the construction industry. Those of you like @Ralphieburger who are going through home builds see it too. After the big downturn, we lost 1.5M construction jobs, but only have of them have come back. I’ve seen anywhere from 130k-400k open construction jobs. General Contractors are more worried about finding workers than paying them. The plumbers and electrician I know are working 60-70 hours a week, making bank, and still not meeting all the demand.

There are a lot of people in dying industries who could easily retrain themselves in something like plumbing. I’d also like to see more vocational classes brought back to high school with parents and teachers emphasizing the viability of those jobs.

Mash Me

Spoiler

The Construction Labor Shortage: Where Did All the Skilled Labor Go?

Arecently released survey by the Associated General Contractors of America revealed that nearly 80 percent of construction businesses are having a hard time finding qualified skilled labor. Beginning first in small isolated pockets when home construction bottomed out in 2011, the labor shortage is now in full bloom, with repercussions being felt throughout the nation.

The reality is that while the building industry has experienced steady and positive growth in recent months, this growth could be even faster if there were enough qualified candidates to fill open positions. In a recent interview with Bloomberg Business, an economist for NAHB is quoted as saying, “We could be growing faster if the labor shortage issue wasn’t present.”

Did All the Skilled Labor Just Disappear?

On the surface, the numbers indicate that there should be plenty of workers looking for jobs. From 2006 through 2011, the construction industry lost 2.3 million jobs. Additionally, there are about 1 million fewer residential-construction jobs to be had today than there were prior to 2006. When looking at the numbers in a bubble, a person could conclude that there should be an excess of workers to fill the openings, right?

The problem is that if there is an excess of skilled laborers, contractors are having a hard time finding them.

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) there are currently 143,000 vacant construction positions nationwide. In fact, a recent survey by the NAHB revealed that 69 percent of its members were experiencing delays in completing projects on time due to a shortage of qualified workers, while other jobs were lost altogether.

The problem is that when the recession hit, many skilled workers who were unable to find jobs dropped out of the industry, and have never returned. Compounding this problem, a whole generation of younger workers are no longer even considering construction as a viable career option. Many high schools have phased out shop classes, and parents increasingly have steered graduates to four-year colleges and white-collar careers. Now, as older workers are retiring, there simply isn’t anyone ready to take their spots.

What’s next?
Good or bad, we have likely only seen the beginning of the construction labor shortage. Building activity is projected to strengthen over the next few years, and the demand for skilled craftsmen is expected to continue to grow. While residential and commercial construction activity may have increased significantly since the low point of the recession, many still view this resurgence as fragile. Constrained by a shortage of skilled workers, this resurgence could end up tempered by the continued increase of new home prices and delays in projects.

Filling this gap is going to take a concerted effort on all fronts, including encouraging America’s youth to return to the construction industry.

People don't want to bust their asses for 10-15 dollars an hour? Construction jobs are screwed. Unless you know the foreman or he likes you there are not many chances to move up in the ranks. People want to climb the ladder and that's just not easy to do when the guys at the top don't want to give up their jobs and money. Busting your ass for some rich guy calling out the shots ten hours a day is no way to live.

 

[TheDude1]

As a teacher, maybe not you so much because your students are still young, do you think some students who aren't really "book smart" should be influenced by their teachers to go to trade schools instead of other colleges that likely won't be beneficial to their future?

By their teachers, their parents, and their community. I mean, you have to be careful, but...

A problem is that American life is, for the most part, fairly comfortable, and a lot of people simply don't want to be doing manual labor. I can't say I blame them... not sure I'd want to work construction (although I never have; maybe I would like it? I do enjoy manual labor when I do it...?) and I think there are a number of people who would resist it.

 

[LetsGoDuke301]

By their teachers, their parents, and their community. I mean, you have to be careful, but...

A problem is that American life is, for the most part, fairly comfortable, and a lot of people simply don't want to be doing manual labor. I can't say I blame them... not sure I'd want to work construction (although I never have; maybe I would like it? I do enjoy manual labor when I do it...?) and I think there are a number of people who would resist it.

When I was unemployed I worked from start to finish on houses for habitat for humanity. That's the extent of my construction experience. I just feel like it is an option for those who don't have the ability to do more technical stuff.

It seems like the younger people under that profile are more interested in opening breweries or vape shops.

 

[Matt Laurer]

People don't want to bust their asses for 10-15 dollars an hour? Construction jobs are screwed. Unless you know the foreman or he likes you there are not many chances to move up in the ranks. People want to climb the ladder and that's just not easy to do when the guys at the top don't want to give up their jobs and money. Busting your ass for some rich guy calling out the shots ten hours a day is no way to live.

That’s a millennial mindset if ever there was one. Construction is one of the jobs where you can get a free education while getting paid. Stick around long enough to learn and get licensed. Eventually break away and start your own gig.

 

[Spacegrass]

That’s a millennial mindset if ever there was one. Construction is one of the jobs where you can get a free education while getting paid. Stick around long enough to learn and get licensed. Eventually break away and start your own gig.

Yep. Why am I not getting what I deserve? Never , I am thankful for what I have. Reality of life is you are gonna likely work 3-5 jobs before you find the right one for your career. You are gonna be underpaid because you have no experience. Jesus it's not that hard to comprehend.

 

[Matt Laurer]

Yep. Why am I not getting what I deserve? Never , I am thankful for what I have. Reality of life is you are gonna likely work 3-5 jobs before you find the right one for your career. You are gonna be underpaid because you have no experience. Jesus it's not that hard to comprehend.

The hardest I ever worked was the summer I was 15. Pressure washer a ECU football stadium from 6 am to 2 pm. Then when and worked in the kitchen of a fried seafood restaurant putting hot greasy fish on plates with crack heads. I made a vow at that point to constantly work my way up and never go back. Those crap jobs are important. They give you perspective

 

[Spacegrass]

The hardest I ever worked was the summer I was 15. Pressure washer a ECU football stadium from 6 am to 2 pm. Then when and worked in the kitchen of a fried seafood restaurant putting hot greasy fish on plates with crack heads. I made a vow at that point to constantly work my way up and never go back. Those crap jobs are important. They give you perspective

Where in G-Vegas did you work?

 

[Matt Laurer]

Where in G-Vegas did you work?

Dixie Queen in Winterville. Worst job I’ve ever had.

 

[mebeblue2]

You can smoke it or take whatever you want on your own time. But it is troubling that you can't stop something long enough to pass a drug test. It's really easy honestly.

people addicted to opiates can not go a full work day without taking them

i agree that whatever someone wants to do on their own time is up to them
and then they need to be man enough to live with where the chips fall
it is also up to companies on whether they want to hire drug addicts that may put other people around them in danger

 

[LetsGoDuke301]

The hardest I ever worked was the summer I was 15. Pressure washer a ECU football stadium from 6 am to 2 pm. Then when and worked in the kitchen of a fried seafood restaurant putting hot greasy fish on plates with crack heads. I made a vow at that point to constantly work my way up and never go back. Those crap jobs are important. They give you perspective

Weren't you my bar tender at Bluewater? Or was it Dockside?

 

[Spacegrass]

Dixie Queen in Winterville. Worst job I’ve ever had.

Haha! I feel ya. Winterville makes Greenville feel like Raleigh.

 

[Matt Laurer]

Weren't you my bar tender at Bluewater? Or was it Dockside?

Blue Water. That was after graduation. Loved that job. Had to get out or I was never gonna leave. Too much money women for a 23 year old (if that’s such a thing).

 

[Spacegrass]

people addicted to opiates can not go a full work day without taking them

i agree that whatever someone wants to do on their own time is up to them
and then they need to be man enough to live with where the chips fall
it is also up to companies on whether they want to hire drug addicts that may put other people around them in danger

Yes. But a worker showing up hungover or still drunk will get treated more delicately than the guy with an opiate addiction. The perception of the 2 is totally different when they shouldn't be.

 

[Matt Laurer]

Haha! I feel ya. Winterville makes Greenville feel like Raleigh.

You ever been to Dixie Queen? It’s all fried seafood. If you didn’t want fried, you could get steamed. The kitchen had 8 giant fry vats and was close to 100 degrees during the summer. $5.15/hr baby

 

[LetsGoDuke301]

Blue Water. That was after graduation. Loved that job. Had to get out or I was never gonna leave. Too much money women for a 23 year old (if that’s such a thing).

That's what I like about Wrightsville Beach. I keep getting older and the girls stay the same age it seems like.

 

[Spacegrass]

You ever been to Dixie Queen? It’s all fried seafood. If you didn’t want fried, you could get steamed. The kitchen had 8 giant fry vats and was close to 100 degrees during the summer. $5.15/hr baby

Haven't eaten there in probably 20 years. My Dad is an ECU grad class of 1979 and both my parents are ENC born and raised. WIndsor and Ahoskie , NC. One of my closest cousins he and his wife live there and are both grads. She works for the football program as Coach Scottie's assistant.

 

[Spacegrass]

That's what I like about Wrightsville Beach. I keep getting older and the girls stay the same age it seems like.

 

[Matt Laurer]

That's what I like about Wrightsville Beach. I keep getting older and the girls stay the same age it seems like.

I’ll be there in June. I want to buy some property on Wrightsville ave near the college. Just waiting for the right house/lot to open up.

 

[toonces11]

I’m 35 and my parents taught me from a young age no matter what, go to college. Even if I didn’t know what I wanted to be. Just go. We were all told the same thing. Lots of kids pushed into college that didn’t belong there. Additionally, skilled labor jobs were looked down upon. No one was told to grow up and become a carpenter.

Which is crazy. You can out earn a vast majority of college grads going to tech school and working your ass off for electrical, plumbing, etc. By as early 22 or 23 you can be a small business owner knocking down each six figure barrier as the years progress.

Also....Mike Rowe for president

 

[mebeblue2]

Yes. But a worker showing up hungover or still drunk will get treated more delicately than the guy with an opiate addiction. The perception of the 2 is totally different when they shouldn't be.

totally agree
over the years i have fired people for all the reasons you mentioned
i always try to give people a couple of chances, once it becomes obvious that they do not respect their job enough to come to work not drunk, hungover, or high then it is time to move on

 

[Spacegrass]

Which is crazy. You can out earn a vast majority of college grads going to tech school and working your ass off for electrical, plumbing, etc. By as early 22 or 23 you can be a small business owner knocking down each six figure barrier as the years progress.

Also....Mike Rowe for president

Not President but I would give him a look for say Secretary of Labor if something like an influx of trade job employees is your goal.